NSW Passes Legislation to Establish Future Jobs and Investment Authority for Coal Regions

The New South Wales Government has passed the Future Jobs and Investment Bill 2025, formally establishing the Future Jobs and Investment Authority to support workers and communities across the state's four coal-producing regions. The legislation targets the Hunter, Illawarra, Central West, and North West regions to assist in long-term economic planning and industry transitions.

The initiative is backed by $29.7 million in ongoing operational funding for the Authority and more than $170 million allocated to the newly created Future Jobs and Investment Fund, with additional contributions scheduled annually.

According to the NSW Government, approximately 25,000 people are directly employed in the state's coal mining sector. The new Authority is tasked with attracting investment for emerging industries, supporting skills development, facilitating post-mining land use, and reporting on mine closures.

Governance will include four Local Divisions representing each coal-producing region, comprising delegates from industry, local government, the community, and the workforce. The chairs of these divisions will sit on the Authority's board alongside union and industry representatives. The state confirmed that the Hunter and Central West Local Divisions will be the first established.

Under the newly passed legislation, coal mine operators face new compliance mandates aimed at workforce transition. Operators must provide formal notice of mine closures within specified timeframes and submit structured plans detailing support for workers through retraining, redeployment, or retirement.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully noted that post-mining land transformation projects are already being planned at sites such as the Macquarie Coal Complex and Mt Arthur Mine, which the government projects could generate future employment opportunities.

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